PUC Collaborates With Community in Trail Cleaning

A few weeks prior to the annual Angwin to Angwish race held on May 3, Pacific Union College Enrollment Counselor Abraham Garrido partnered with 45 participants from the Redwood Trail Alliance and the St. Helena Thunderbird mountain biking group to clear leaves, trees, overgrown grass areas, and bushes throughout the trails adorning the college’s 1,100 acres of forest.

Offering 35 miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking, running, and horseback riding, the PUC Forest is protected by a conservation easement in partnership with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) and the Land Trust of Napa County. This opportunity helps PUC students, faculty, and staff, as well as community members, enjoy this stretch of recreational nature.

As the race organizer, Garrido received feedback from frequent runners, bikers, and community members that the openness of the trail enhanced their overall experience, as they did not have to worry about poison oak or maneuvering under or over trees or branches.

Garrido and his wife, Isabella, frequently enjoy the trails because they allow them to feel close to God while decompressing from the stresses of everyday life and staying healthy. He specifically enjoys embarking on long mountain adventures and running ultramarathons, taking advantage of the diverse mountain ranges that PUC offers.

“Doing these types of trail days and community-based events is definitely beneficial, and it’s great for the community,” said Garrido. “It helps keep the trails clean and helps to create access for people outside of the race. It’s very positive and helps our forest stay healthy, and helps us enjoy it for future generations. I’m super grateful to everyone who came out during that time to participate in the trail cleanup, including the Redwood Trail Alliance and the Thunderbird mountain biking group from St. Helena.”